Festivals
Governors Ball Announce 2025 Lineup
Governors Ball, the iconic music festival held annually in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, New York City, is returning from June 6-8, 2025. Known for its diverse lineup and vibrant atmosphere, Gov Ball promises an unforgettable experience, catering to music fans of all tastes.
This year’s lineup is stacked with some of the most prominent names in the industry. Headliners include Tyler, The Creator, Olivia Rodrigo, Benson Boone, Feid, Hozier, and Glass Animals, each bringing their unique energy to the stage. Supporting acts like T-Pain, Tyla, Conan Gray, Role Model, Amaarae, Young Miko, Mt. Joy, and Clairo ensure there’s something for everyone, spanning genres from Latin R&B to rap and rock.
One of the festival’s highlights is Olivia Rodrigo’s headlining debut. With her potentially releasing her third studio album this year, her performance is set to be a showstopper. She’ll also headline other major festivals like Bonnaroo and BST Hyde Park, marking a significant milestone in her career. Meanwhile, Tyler, The Creator is sure to captivate the audience with tracks from his latest album, Chromakopia, as he continues his electrifying tour. And for fans of high-energy performances, JPEGMAFIA is not to be missed.
Beyond the music, Governors Ball offers plenty of perks. Foodies will rejoice at the extensive culinary offerings—last year featured over 50 vendors, and even more are expected in 2025. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the festival’s spacious layout allows for exploration, relaxation, and dancing to your heart’s content.
Traveling to the festival is a breeze, thanks to its prime location. Whether you’re arriving by train, bus, or via nearby airports like LaGuardia, JFK, or Newark International, getting there is hassle-free. To accommodate various schedules and budgets, the festival offers flexible ticket options, including one-day, two-day, and three-day passes.
So, grab your friends, gear up for a weekend of incredible music, and prepare to make memories that will last a lifetime. Tickets are on sale now—don’t wait! Visit the official website at governorsballmusicfestival.com to secure your spot at Governors Ball 2025.
Festivals
Phillips Backyard Music Festival – Day 1 Recap & Photos
The first day of Phillips Backyard Music Festival wasted no time getting into the music. Gates opened in the late afternoon, and fans steadily filled the grounds as the opening artists took the stage. With two stages running throughout the evening, there was always something happening, whether festivalgoers were catching a familiar act on the Main Stage or discovering someone new on the Music BC Stage.
Dacey opened the Main Stage and immediately set a positive tone for the weekend. There is always a challenge in being the first performer of a festival, but the crowd responded well as people filtered in with drinks in hand and found spots on the lawn. Over on the Music BC Stage, Bukola delivered an engaging set that showed exactly why she continues to build a strong following in British Columbia. Her soulful vocals stood out from the start and held the audience’s attention throughout her performance.
As the evening moved along, Nicky MacKenzie and Mikey Jose kept the energy moving before Cartel Madras took over the Main Stage. The Calgary duo brought one of the day’s most intense performances. Their stage presence demanded attention, and the audience responded with loud cheers throughout the set. They never let the pace slow down, making them one of the clear highlights of the afternoon.
Blush followed on the Music BC Stage with a polished indie rock performance before Duckwrth stepped onto the Main Stage as the sun began to set. His mix of hip-hop, funk, and rock translated perfectly to the outdoor setting. He spent much of the set moving across the stage, interacting with the crowd and feeding off their enthusiasm. By this point, the festival grounds were packed, and it was clear the audience was ready for the night’s headliner.
Chance the Rapper closed out opening day with a confident performance as one of hip-hop’s strongest live performers. His set balanced newer material with fan favourites, giving longtime listeners plenty of moments to sing along. He controlled the stage from beginning to end without relying on flashy production to keep the audience engaged. Instead, his personality and connection with the crowd carried the show.
The first day established exactly what Phillips Backyard does well. The schedule moved smoothly between established artists and emerging talent, giving every performer a chance to shine. Fans moved freely between both stages, sampled local food and Phillips Brewing beer, and settled into an atmosphere that felt relaxed without losing the excitement that comes with live music. It was a strong opening to the weekend and set high expectations for the two days that followed.
Check out our favourite photos of the day below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
CHANCE THE RAPPER
DUCKWORTH
BLUSH
CARTEL MADRAS
MIKEY JOSE
NICKY MACKENZIE
BUKOLA
DACEY
FESTIVAL
All Photo Credit: Kelli Rothwell
Festivals
FIFA Fan Festival™ Vancouver – Dallas Smith
The FIFA Fan Festival™ at PNE kept the excitement rolling on July 11, as football and live music once again proved to be a winning combination in Vancouver. With two FIFA World Cup quarterfinals on the schedule, thousands of fans packed the festival throughout the day before sticking around for another evening of Canadian music.
Earlier in the afternoon, England secured its place in the semi-finals with a victory over Norway, setting the stage for an even bigger showdown later in the day. That match delivered plenty of drama, as Argentina defeated Switzerland to book a semi-final meeting with England. The final whistle sparked loud celebrations around the festival grounds, with Argentine supporters waving flags, chanting, and soaking in the moment before the evening concerts began.
As the football excitement settled, attention shifted to the Amphitheatre Stage, where Dallas Smith closed out the day’s musical lineup. One of Canada’s biggest country stars, Smith had no trouble keeping the energy high after an emotional afternoon of football. Fans packed tightly around the stage, singing along from the opening song and matching his enthusiasm throughout the set. Smith’s mix of country hits and rock-influenced sound made for a perfect festival performance.
The day also featured performances from DJ Sherry Freeze, The Matinee, The Heels, and Blue Moon Marquee, giving visitors plenty to enjoy between the two quarterfinal matches.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
DALLAS SMITH
ARGENTINA FANS
All Photo Credit: